CHAMBERSBURG - Chambersburg Police Department is alerting area residents to two attempted scams.

One scammer pretended to be a soldier going by the name of James S. Landis, according to police. A Chambersburg woman told police on Thursday that a scammer provided photos and exchanged several messages with her via the messaging service Hangouts. The soldier said he needed $5,500 in order for another soldier take his assignment to Syria. The intended victim was suspicious of the information provided and contacted police.

A different resident told police on June 21 about an advertising scheme, police said. The resident was contacted about placing a sticker on her vehicle to advertise a tire company. In exchange for advertising the company, the resident was told that that a check would be sent to her. The scammer sent a fraudulent check with instructions on what to do with it once receiving it. The resident did not cash the check and instead contacted police.

The scammers likely would have attempted to get the resident to send money back to them in the form of gift cards or other valued items after cashing the check, police said.

Both the intended victims in these attempted scams became suspicious and did not provide any monies to the scammers, police said. Police urge residents to be alert to the various scams and be extra cautious when dealing with unknown people who want them to send money or buy gift cards and money pack cards.